Background Deliberate self-poisoning is a major public health concern, particularly in developing countries where easy access to pesticides and drugs increases morbidity and mortality. Young adults are predominantly affected, leading to significant social and economic burden. Understanding the clinical and etiological profile of DSP (Deliberate Self-Poisoning) is essential for preventive strategies and improved patient outcomes. Methods This hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study included 250 adult patients (>18 years) with alleged deliberate self-poisoning admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, over a period of two years. Data regarding socio-demographic details, type and quantity of poison consumed, clinical presentation, investigations, treatment, and outcomes were collected using a structured proforma. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. The chi-square test was used to assess associations, and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The majority of patients were aged 18–38 years (69.2%), with a slight female predominance (52%). Most participants had school or higher secondary education, and 48% were unemployed. Drug overdose was the most common method, with polypharmacy accounting for 26.8% of cases, followed by insecticides/pesticides (14.4%). Financial crisis (52.8%) was the leading precipitating factor, and 93.2% of acts were impulsive. Gastrointestinal symptoms (15.2%) were the most common clinical presentation. ICU care was required in 6.8%, mechanical ventilation in 4%, and overall mortality was 3.2%. Significant associations were observed between type of poison and sex, age, marital status, ICU requirement, mechanical ventilation, clinical outcome, and selected clinical parameters (p<0.05). Conclusion Deliberate self-poisoning predominantly affects young adults and is commonly impulsive, with drugs being the most frequent agents. The type of poison significantly influences clinical severity and outcome. Early identification of high-risk groups and targeted preventive strategies are crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with DSP.

Deliberate Self-Poisoning, Clinico-Etiological Profile, Drug Overdose, Pesticide Poisoning, Clinical Outcome.